Full text of "San Francisco Electrical Code"

NOTICE TO SUBSCRIBERS

CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO
ELECTRICAL CODE, 2007 EDITION

This Code includes amendments approved through

November 6, 2007.

AMERICAN LEGAL PUBLISHING CORPORATION

432 Walnut Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202-3909 (800)445-5588

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
2007 ELECTRICAL CODE

January 2008 Supplement — Instruction Sheet

Enclosed with this instruction sheet are new and replacement pages for your loose-leaf copy of the
Electrical Code, bringing the code current through November 6, 2007. In order to keep your copy of the
code up to date, you must remove the following indicated obsolete pages from your code and replace
them with the indicated revised pages. The footer appearing at the lower alternating comer of each page
revised in this package is "1/01/2008." If you have any questions, please contact American Legal
Publishing at 1-800-445-5588.

Remove from Code Add to Code

Title Page Title Page

Electrical Code
All old pages All new pages

Index
All old pages All new pages

•

CITY AND COUNTY OF
SAN FRANCISCO

ELECTRICAL CODE
2007 Edition

[Includes legislation adopted by the Board of Supervisors
through November 6, 2007.]

AMERICAN LEGAL PUBLISHING CORPORATION

432 Walnut Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202-3909 (800) 445-5588

THE CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO
A Municipal Corporation

database or retrieval system without prior written
permission of the City and Count)' of San Francisco.

PUBLISHER'S NOTE

The full 2007 San Francisco Electrical Code consists of the 2005 National Electrical Code, as amended
by the 2007 California Electrical Code, and as further amended by these San Francisco amendments.

The San Francisco Electrical Code amendments contained herein are designed to be used in
conjunction with the 2007 California Electrical Code.

The San Francisco Electrical Code amendments contained herein were adopted by the Board of
Supervisors of the City and County of San Francisco on November 6, 2007, by Ordinance 257-07, Effective
January 1,2008.

2007 California Electrical Code

(Which incorporates the 2005 National

Electrical Code)

Complete San Francisco
Electrical Code

2007 San Francisco Amendments

Supplements to this Code and complete copies of all five

Building Inspection Commission (BIC) Codes

(Building, Electrical, Housing, Mechanical and Plumbing)

can be ordered from:

AMERICAN LEGAL PUBLISHING CORPORATION

432 Walnut Street ^ Suite 1200 <0> Cmcinnati, Ohio 45202-3909

Tel. 1-800-445-5588 <> Fax 1-513-763-3562

E-mail: sales@amlegal.com

www.amlegal.com

PREFACE

The San Francisco amendments to the 2007 California Electrical Code appear in boldface to
distinguish the San Francisco amendments from the provisions of the 2007 California Electrical Code
which they amend. To further simplify use of the San Francisco amendments with corresponding sections
of the 2007 California Electrical Code, explanatory remarks appearing in italics are provided at the
beginning of each amendment indicating whether the San Francisco amendment to the 2007 California
Electrical Code is adding, revising, or replacing a section or portion of a section.

Marginal Markings:

■^ An arrow represents the location of language that has been deleted by San Francisco from the 2007
California Electrical Code.

I A solid line represents a change from the original published edition of the 2007 San Francisco
Electrical Code.

Historical Notations:

Language which has been added, amended, or deleted from the 2007 publication of the San Francisco
Electrical Code is indicated with an historical notation, setting forth the ordinance number and date of
adoption.

2007 SAN FRANCISCO ELECTRICAL CODE TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Article 89 General Code Provisions 1

Chapter 1 General 8

Article 100 Definitions 8

Article 110 Requirements for Electrical Installations 8

Chapter 2 Wiring and Protection 9

Article 210 Branch Circuits 9

Article 220 Branch-Circuit, Feeder and Service Calculations 9

Article 230 Services 9

Article 250 Grounding 11

Chapter 3 Wiring Methods and Materials 12

Article 300 Wiring Methods , 12

Article 320 Armored Cable: Type AC 12

Article 330 Metal-Clad Cable: Type MC 12

Article 334 Nonmetallic-Sheathed Cable: Types NM, NMC, and NMS 12

Article 340 Underground Feeder and Branch-Circuit Cable: Type UF 13

Article 348 Flexible Metal Conduit: Type FMC 13

Article 350 Liquidtight Flexible Metal Conduit: Type LFMC 13

Article 352 Rigid Nonmetallic Conduit: Type RNC 13

Article 356 Liquidtight Flexible Nonmetallic Conduit: Type LFNC 13

Article 358 Electrical Metallic Tubing: Type EMT 13

Article 362 Electrical Nonmetallic Tubing: Type ENT 14

Article 378 Nonmetallic Wireways 14

Article 388 Surface Nonmetallic Raceways 14

Chapter 4 Equipment for General Use 15

Article 410 Luminaires (Lighting Fixtures), Lampholders, and Lamps 15

Article 411 Lighting Systems Operating at 30 Volts or Less 15

Chapter 5 Special Occupancies 16

Chapter 6 Special Equipment 17

Article 645 Information Technology Equipment 17

Chapter 7 Special Conditions 18

Article 700 Emergency Systems 18

Article 760 Fire Alarm Systems 18

Chapter 8 Communications Systems 20

1/01/2008

TABLE OF CONTENTS 2007 SAN FRANCISCO ELECTRICAL CODE

Chapter 9 Tables and Examples 21

San Francisco Electrical Code Index I-l

1/01/2008

2007 SAN FRANCISCO ELECTRICAL CODE

89.10L1 -89.118

1^ ARTICLE 89 - GENERAL CODE PROVISIONS 89.117. Add the following new section:

89.101. 1. Replace the first sentence of this section with
the following:

89. 1 1 . 1 . Title. The provisions contained in this
Code shall be known as the 2007 San Francisco
Electrical Code, and may be cited as such and
will be referred to as "this code".

89.115. Add the following new section:

89.115. Suppression: This code shall supersede all
previous Electrical Codes and ordinances in the
City and County of San Francisco. Nothing herein
shall require the revision of electrical installation
plans submitted prior to the adoption date of this
code. Electrical permits obtained prior to the
effective date of this code shall comply with the
provisions of the Electrical Code, ordinances,
regulations and rulings in effect when the permit
was granted.

89.116. Add the following new section:

89.116. Maintenance. All electrical equipment,
wiring and systems and installations shall be
maintained in a safe operating and code-complying
condition. The owner or the owner's designated
agent, or both, shall be legally responsible for the
maintenance of all electrical wiring systems and
installations.

Nothing contained in this code shall be
construed to require any existing electrical
equipment, wiring or systems regulated by this
code to be altered, reconstructed, removed or
demolished, providing such existing electrical
equipment, wiring or system was installed and
maintained in accordance with the adopted code in
effect at the time of installation or subsequent
alteration.

Unused conductors and cables shall be either
removed or suitably identified and terminated in an
approved manner.

89.1 17. Alternate Materials, Design and Methods of
Construction.

(A) Alternates Require Approval: The
provisions of this code are not intended to prevent
the use of a product or method of construction not
specifically prescribed by this code, provided any
such alternate has been approved and the use
authorized by the Building Official.

(B) Equivalency of Alternates. The Building
Official may authorize an alternate, provided the
Building Official finds the proposed design is
satisfactory for the intended use and complies with
the provisions of this code and that the product,
method or work offered is, for the purpose
intended, at least equivalent to that prescribed by
this code in suitability, strength, effectiveness, fire
resistivity, durability and safety.

(C) Evidence Required. The Building Official
shall require sufficient evidence or proof be
submitted to substantiate any claims made
regarding the use of alternates. The details of any
action granting approval of an alternate shall be
recorded and shall be entered in the files of the
Department of Building Inspection.

(D) Conditions and Fees. See Building Code
Section 104A.2.8 for conditions and Section llOA,
Table lA-J — Miscellaneous Fees — for applicable
fees.

89. 118. Add the following new section:

89.118. Change in Occupancy. Electrical
equipment, wiring and systems which are part of
any building or structure, or portion thereof,
undergoing a change in occupancy or use, as defined
in the Building Code, shall comply with all
requirements of this code which may be applicable
to the new occupancy or use.

1/01/2008

89.118-89.120

2007 SAN FRANCISCO ELECTRICAL CODE

Exception: The provisions of this section shall
not require the change of existing electrical
equipment, wiring and systems where such
electrical equipment, wiring and systems are
deemed adequate for the new occupancy
involved.

89.119. Add the following new section:

89.119. Modifications. When there are practical
difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of
this code, the Building Official may grant
modiflcations for individual cases. The Building
Official shall first find that a special individual
reason makes the strict letter of this code
impractical and that the modification is in
conformance with the intent and purpose of this
code and that such modification does not lessen
health, life-safety and fire-safety requirements. The
details of any action granting modifications shall be
recorded and entered in the files of the Department
of Building Inspection.

89. 120. Add the following new section:
89.120. Permits Required.

(A) General. It shall be unlawful for any
person to install, construct, alter, move, add to or
replace any electrical installation regulated by this
code, except as permitted in Section 89.121, without
first obtaining a permit from the Department of
Building Inspection.

(B) Nonliability of City and County of San
Francisco. Permits issued under the provisions of
this code shall contain or be construed to contain an
agreement by the owner of the building, structure
or premises, or the owner's authorized agent, to
save City and County of San Francisco officials and
employees harmless from all costs, liability and
damages resulting, whether directly or indirectly,
from anything in connection with the work included
in the permit, including equipment, methods of
construction, inspections and approvals.

(C) Application For Permit. Permit applicants
shall file with the Department of Building
Inspection an application form furnished for that
purpose. The permit application shall show a
complete itemization of the proposed electrical
installation and the correct address of the job site.
Electrical permits may be issued to duly licensed
contractors who have registered with the Central
Permit Bureau by having their state contractor's
license veriiled by the Department of Building
Inspection, or issued to a homeowner subject to
Section 89.120(E). A separate permit shall be
obtained for each separate building or structure.

See Section llOA, Table lA-E - Electrical
PermJlt Fees - of the Building Code for the
applicable fees.

(ID) Illegal Use of Permit. No person, firm,
corporation, or state licensed contractor shall file an
application for a permit to install any electrical
wiring system unless such person, firm, corporation,
or state licensed contractor shall perform such
work. The Building Official or the Building
Official's authorized representative shall have the
authority to cancel any permit upon finding that it
is contrary to this section. The permittee shall be
responsible for all work performed.

(E) Homeowner's Permit. A permit for
electrical work in or about a single-family dwelling
may be issued by the Building Official to a
homeowner, provided the work to be done will be
performed by the homeowner. If the electrical work
performed under the homeowner's permit does not
comply with the requirements of this code and if the
corrections are not made as required by the
Department of Building Inspection, then the
deficiencies shall be corrected by a State licensed
electrical contractor under a separate permit.

(¥) Emergency Work. Emergency electrical
work for the protection of persons or property shall
have a permit obtained within one business day of
commencing such work.

1/01/2008

2007 SAN FRANCISCO ELECTRICAL CODE

89.121-89.122

89. 121. Add the following new section:

89.121. Work Exempt from Permits. Electrical
permits and fees shall not be required for the
following:

(A) Repair or replacement of luminaires
where:

(1) the luminaire(s) are not installed to
provide emergency illumination required by San
Francisco Building Code, and

(2) no change in existing wiring is
involved, and

(3) luminaires weigh 22.68 Kg (50
pounds) or less.

(B) Repair or replacement of a domestic
appliance where no change in existing wiring is
involved.

(C) Replacement of fuses, controls, motors of
less than 2 horsepower, and switches and
receptacles of not more than 20 amperes rating,
where no change in existing wiring is involved.

(D) Replacement of circuit breakers,
externally operated switches and fuse holders of the
same type and rating as the defective unit or
component, if not rated in excess of 100 amperes.

Exception: Replacement of main service
disconnecting means are subject to permit and
inspection regardless of rating.

(E) Wiring for temporary theater stages and
platforms, motion picture and television studio sets
supplied from approved electrical outlets installed
for the purpose.

(F) Replacement of component parts for
electric signs or gas-tube lighting systems of the
same size and rating.

89. 122. Add the following new section:
89.122. Permit Issuance.

(A) General. An issued permit entitles the
permittee to proceed with the installation described
therein. Work done in excess of that shown on the
application will be subject to extra permit fees as set
forth in Section llOA, Table lA-F - Specialty
Permit Fees - of the Building Code. The issuance of
a permit does not constitute an approval or an
authorization of the work specified therein.
Neither the issuance of a permit, nor the approval
by the Building Official of any document, shall
constitute an approval of a violation of any
provision of this code or any law or ordinance. A
permit or other document purporting to give
authority to violate any code, law or ordinance shall
not be valid with respect thereto. Permits shall not
be transferable. Proposed electrical installations
delineated on a permit application shall be
performed only by the permittee or bona fide
employee thereof in accordance with the California
Code of Regulations, Title 8, Chapter 2, Part IV.
The permit shall be posted on the job site where the
work is to be done.

(B) Expiration of Permit. Electrical permits
expire after 90 days from date of issue, or date of
last recorded inspection, unless an extension of time
is granted by the Building Offlcial. Only one 90-day
extension may be granted. Permit extension and
cancellation requests shall be made in writing to the
Building Official by the permit holder. Permit fees
may be refunded if cancellation request is made
prior to commencement of the permitted work and
within 90-days of the issue date, otherwise, the
permit fees shall be retained by the Department of
Building Inspection. See Section llOA, Table lA-R
- Refunds - of the Building Code for refund.

(C) Commencement of Work on Permit
Expired Due to Work Not Started. Before work may
be commenced on an expired permit on which no
work was performed, a new permit shall be
obtained.

1/01/2008

89.122-89.124

2007 SAN FRANCISCO ELECTRICAL CODE

(D) Recommencement of Work on Permit
Expired Due to WorkNot Completed. The applicant
shall secure a new permit for the work not
completed. The permit fee shall be based upon items
or work remaining to be done.

(E) Cancellation of Permit: Permits may be
canceled by the Building Official:

(1) If after inspection, it is judged by a
senior inspector that the permit holder is unable or
unwilling to correct an unsafe condition or Code
violations.

(2) If the permit was obtained
fraudulently or under false pretenses.

89. J 23. Add the following new section:

89.123. Fees

(A) General. Permit and inspection fees, as set
forth in Section llOA, Table lA-E - Electrical
Permit Fees — of the Building Code, shall be paid
prior to permit issuance. When additional permit or
inspection fees are due, they shall be payable prior
to issuance of Permission to Connect Current,
Certificate of Occupancy, or Declaration of
Inspection.

(B) Other Fees. A standard hourly inspection
fee shall be charged for services provided by
Electrical Inspection Division personnel which are
not otherwise detailed. See Section llOA, Table
lA-G - Inspections, Surveys and Reports - of the
Building Code.

(C) Work Without Permit - Investigation Fee.
If the Building Official finds that a person, company
or entity has performed electrical installation work
for which a permit is required, without first
obtaining an electrical permit and payment of fees,
the Building Official shall require the payment of
an investigative fee in addition to the prescribed
permit fee. See Section llOA, Table lA-K -
Penalties, Hearings, Code Enforcement
Assessments - of the Building Code for the
applicable fees. The payment of such investigation
fee shall not exempt any person from compliance

with all other provisions of this Code, nor from any
penalty prescribed by law. The Building Official
may reduce the investigation fee to two times the
amount of the permit fee as called for in Section
llOA, Table lA-E - Electrical Permit Fees - of the
Building Code for work that was constructed prior
to the current building ownership if the owner files
with the Building Official notarized affidavit
together with documents substantiating such dates
of work.

Appeal of such investigative fee may be filed
with the Board of Appeals in the manner provided
in Pairt HI of the San Francisco Municipal Code.
Such filing shall be subject to the fees and rules of
the Board of Appeals. The Board of Appeals, in
reviewing the appeal may reduce the appealed
amount to not less than two times (2x) the permit
fee as set forth in Section llOA, Table lA-E -
Electrical Permit Fees ~ of the Building Code.

89. 124. Add the following new section:

89.124. Powers and Duties of the Building Official.

(A) General. The Building Official is hereby
authorized and directed to enforce all the provisions
of this code. For such purposes, the Building
Official shall have the powers of a law enforcement
officer. The Building Official, when necessary, may
call upon the Police Department and other city
agencies for aid or assistance in carrying out or
enforcing any of the provisions of this code.

(B) Right of Entry. When it is necessary to
make an inspection to enforce the provisions of this
code or other codes or ordinances, or when the
Building Official has reasonable cause to believe
that there exists in a building or upon a premises a
conditiion that is contrary to, or in violation of, this
code or other codes or ordinances that makes the
building or premises unsafe, dangerous or
hazardous, the Building Official may enter the
building or premises at reasonable times to inspect
or to perform the duties imposed by this code or
other codes or ordinances, provided that if such
building or premises be occupied, credentials be
presented to the occupant and entry requested. If
such building or premises be unoccupied, the

1/01/2008

2007 SAN FRANCISCO ELECTRICAL CODE

89.124

Building Official shall first make a reasonable effort
to locate the owner or other person having charge
or control of the building or premises and request
entry. If entry is refused, the Building Official shall
have recourse to the remedies provided by law to
secure entry.

(C) Stop Orders. Whenever any work is being
done contrary to the provisions of this code, or
other pertinent laws or ordinances implemented
through the enforcement of this code, the Building
Official may order the work stopped by notice in
writing served on any persons engaged in the doing
or causing such work to be done, and any such
persons shall forthwith stop such work until
authorized by the Building Official to proceed with
the work.

(D) Temporary Use of Electrical Energy. The
Building Official may permit the temporary use of
electrical energy by any person, firm or corporation
in cases where it does not create a hazard to life or
property.

(E) Building Official may adopt rules and
regulations. The Building Official shall have the
power to render interpretations of this code and to
adopt and enforce rules and supplemental
regulations to clarify the application of its
provisions. Such interpretations, rules and
regulations shall be in conformance with the intent
and purpose of this code. Such rules and
regulations, commonly referred to as Code Rulings
and Administrative Bulletins, supplemental to this
code, shall not take effect until approved by the
Building Inspection Commission and signed by the
Building Official except in unusual circumstances
where the Building Official has determined there is
an immediate need to protect the public health and
safety. When the Building Official finds that such
circumstances exist, the Building Official may order
immediate enforcement of a particular rule or
regulation. The Building Official shall arrange for
a subscription service to such rules and regulations,
the entire cost of which is to be borne by the
subscribers.

(F) Code Revisions. The Building Official
shall transmit to the Building Inspection

Commission, at intervals not exceeding three years,
recommendations for changes to this code, based on
studies of the following:

(1) Requests of the Board of Examiners
for variances from this code, and for approvals of
alternate materials, alternate designs and methods
of construction.

(2) Code changes recommended by the
Board of Examiners.

(3) Code changes recommended by the
Code Advisory Committee or other bodies
subordinate to the Building Inspection Commission.

(4) Results obtained and problems
encountered from legal actions taken to correct code
violations.

(5) Changes or improvements in
materials, methods of construction or design, and
changes proposed by interested persons.

(6) Investigations of fire and structural
damage to buildings, and of complaints of
unsatisfactory electrical system performance.

(7) Periodic changes to the California
Electrical Code and other State regulations which
may affect this code.

(8) Administrative Bulletins and Code
Rulings currently in effect.

(9) Violations of this code found on
inspections and investigations.

(G) Disconnection of Electric Service due to
Serious and Imminent Hazards. The Building
Official shall have the authority to disconnect
electric service to a building, structure, property or
equipment regulated by this code when it is
necessary to abate a serious and imminent hazard to
the life, health or safety of the occupant or other
persons, or such building, structure or property. See
Section 102 A of the Building Code. Persons shall not
reconnect such electrical supply until authorized in
writing by the Building Official.

1/01/2008

89.125-89.127

2007 SAN FRANCISCO ELECTRICAL CODE

89. J 25. Add the following new section:

89.125. Violation.

Any person, the owner or the owner's
authorized agent, who violates, disobeys, omits,
neglects, or refuses to comply with, or resists or
opposes the execution of any of the provisions of this
code, shall be liable for a civil penalty, not to exceed
$500 for each day such violation is committed or
permitted to continue, which penalty shall be
assessed and recovered in a civil action brought in
the name of the people of the City and County of
San Francisco by the City Attorney in any court of
competent jurisdiction. Any penalty assessed and
recovered in an action brought pursuant to this
paragraph shall be paid to the City Treasurer and
credited to the Department of Building Inspection's
Special Fund.

Any person, the owner or the owner's
authorized agent, who violates, disobeys, omits,
neglects, or refuses to comply with, or who resists or
opposes the execution of any of the provisions of this
code, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon
conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine not
exceeding $500, or by imprisonment not exceeding
six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment,
unless otherwise provided in this code, and shall be
deemed guilty of a separate offense for every day
such violation, disobedience, omission, neglect or
refusal shall continue. Any person who shall do any
work in violation of any of the provisions of this
code, and any person having charge of such work
who shall permit it to be done, shall be liable for the
penalty provided.

It shall be unlawful for any person to interfere
with the posting of any notice provided for in this
code, or to tear down or mutilate any such notice so
posted by the Department of Building Inspection.

89. 126. Add the following new section:

89.126. Unsafe Buildings or Structures.

Any buildings, structures, or parts thereof,
shall be considered unsafe when any of the
following conditions are present:

(A) Electrical equipment, wiring and systems
deemed hazardous to human life or structure safety;

(]B) Electrical equipment, wiring and systems
that are in violation of the code that was in effect at
the time of construction or installation or such work
was performed without permit or approval;

Such unsafe building, structure, property or
portion shall be vacated, repaired, altered or
demollished in accordance with Section 102 A of the
Building Code.

89. 127. Add the following new section:

89.127. Inspection.

(A) General. All electrical equipment, wiring
and systems, regulated by this code and for which a
permit is required shall be subject to inspection to
insure compliance with this code. Upon the
completion and final approval of the permitted
installation and payment of all permit and
inspection fees, a Declaration of Inspection shall be
issued. Said declaration shall indicate in concise
terms the electrical installation thus approved and
the date of approval.

(B) Unlawful Use of Electrical Energy. It shall
be unlawful to energize an electrical installation in,
on or about any building, structure or property in
the City and County of San Francisco unless a
Certificate to Connect Current (Green Tag) has
been issued. The Certificate to Connect Current
authorizes the owner of the structure to energize the
permiitted installation.

(C) Inspection Requests. It shall be the
responsibility of the permit holder to notify the
Electrical Inspection Division orally or in writing
when the permitted installation will be ready for
inspection. Such notification shall be given at least
24 hours before any inspection is desired.
Inspections may be performed outside of normal
inspection hours by prior arrangement and
prepayment. See Section llOA, Table lA-G - Off

1/01/2008

2007 SAN FRANCISCO ELECTRICAL CODE

89.127-89.129

hours Inspections - of the Building Code for the
applicable fees.

(D) Required Inspections,
inspections shall include:

Required

(1) Pre-Cover Inspection. Electrical
equipment, wiring and systems authorized by
permit shall be inspected for code compliance prior
to covering or concealing.

(2) Final Inspection. Final inspection and
demonstration of satisfactory operation shall be
made after the installation authorized by permit has
been completed.

(3) Other Inspection. As may be required
to insure compliance with the provisions of this
code.

(£) Electrical Wiring or Installation Unlawful
to Conceal. It shall be unlawful to conceal, cover,
or put into use electrical wiring, installations, or
parts thereof, until such has been inspected and
accepted as prescribed in this code. Whenever such
work is concealed or covered before first having
been inspected and approved, or whenever electrical
wiring or systems are installed and concealed or
covered without a permit, the Building Official may
require, by written notice to the responsible
person(s) that such wiring or installation be exposed
for inspection. The work of exposing and
reconstructing portions of a structure for such work
shall not entail expense to the City and County of
San Francisco or any of its officials or employees.

(F) Reinspections. Reinspections shall be
required when any of the following conditions
occurs:

(1) When the portion of the work for
which inspection is requested is incomplete or not
code complying.

(2) When previously identified
deficiencies in the work are not properly corrected.

(3) When the approved construction
documents are not available to the inspector.

(4) When access is not provided on the
date and time of the inspection appointment.

(5) When there are deviations from the
approved construction documents.

The first reinspection for failure to comply
with code requirements shall not be assessed a re-
inspection fee. All subsequent reinspections on a job
for the same or subsequent errors or omissions shall
be charged with a reinspection fee. A Certificate of
Final Completion and Occupancy or final approval
shall not be granted until the required fees are paid.
See Section llOA, Table lA-G - Inspections, Surveys
and Reports - of the Building Code for applicable
reinspection fees.

89. 128. Add the following new section:

89.128. Survey. An electrical survey may be
requested when an electrical inspector's assistance
is desired to establish code compliance of existing or
proposed electrical equipment, wiring and
installations. See Section llOA, Table lA-G of the
Building Code for applicable fees.

89. 129. Add the following new section:

89.129. Board of Examiners.

Application may be made to the Board of
Examiners for approval of alternate materials,
methods and types of construction and for variances
from the provisions of this code. See Building Code,
Section 105A.1.

1/01/2008

100-110.26

2007 SAN FRANCISCO ELECTRICAL CODE

Chapter L General

ARTICLE 100 - DEFINITIONS

100. Scope. Add a third paragraph at the end of this
section:

Where terms, phrases and words are not
defined, they shall have the same meaning as
provided in the Building Code or shall have their
ordinary accepted meanings within the context with
which they are used.

1. General. Add the following new definitions:

Different System: A system which derives its
supply from a different source, such as from
different sets of service entrance conductors,
separate utility metered conductors, individual
transformers or banks of transformers which do not
have their secondary windings interconnected.

Opening: An opening is:

(1) An electrical outlet supplying current
to switches, controllers, convenience receptacles,
lighting fixtures, fixed appliances, motors or other
utilization equipment;

(2) A power source including utility
company service entrances, a generator or battery
system; or

(3) An item of distribution equipment
including a switchboard, panelboard, motor control
center, or transformer.

Subject to Physical Damage. Wiring installed
within 2.44 m (8 feet) of a walking surface or
finished floor is considered subject to physical
damage.

^JRTICLE 110 - REQUIREMENTS FOR
ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS

110. 15. Revise this section as follows:

110.15 High-Leg Marking. On a 4-wire,
delta-connected system where the midpoint of one
phase winding is grounded, only the conductor or
busbar having the higher phase voltage to ground shall
be durably and permanently marked by an outer finish
that is purple in color or by other effective means. ^
Such identification shall be placed at each point on the
system where a connection is made if the grounded
conductor is also present. Identification of
ungrounded feeder conductors shall comply with
Section 210-5(C).

110.26(A). Revise this section as follows:

(A) Working Space. Working space for
equipment operation at 600 volts, nominal, or less to
ground and likely to require examination, adjustment,
servicing, or maintenance while energized shall be
level and comply with the dimensions of 1 1 0.26(A)( 1 ),
(A)(2), and (A)(3) or as required or permitted
elsewhere in this Code.

110.26(B). Revise this section as follows:

(B) Clear Spaces. Working space required by
this section shall not be used for storage. When
normally enclosed live parts are exposed for inspection
or servicing, the working space, if in a passageway or
general open space, shall be suitably guarded. The
standing area of the workspace shall be level.

110.26(E). Delete the exception as follows:

(E) Headroom. The minimum headroom of
working spaces about service equipment, switchboards,
panelboards or motor control centers shall be 2.0 m
(6-1/2 ft). Where the electrical equipment exceeds 2.0
m (6-1/2 ft) in height, the minimum headroom shall not
be less than the height of the equipment. ^

1/01/2008

2007 SAN FRANCISCO ELECTRICAL CODE

210.5-230.43

Chapter 2. Wirimg and Protection

ARTICLE 210 — BRANCH CIRCUITS

210.5(C). Revise this section as follows:

■ 210.5(C). Ungrounded Conductors. Each ungrounded
conductor of a branch circuit, where accessible, shall
be identified by system. The means of identification
shall be permitted to be by separate color coding,
marking tape, tagging, or other approved means, and
shall be permanently posted at each branch-circuit
paneiboard or similar branch-circuit distribution
equipment.

Conductor insulation shall contain continuous
color pigment for circuit wire #14 AWG through
#10 AWG. Ungrounded conductors #8 AWG and
larger and ungrounded conductors of any size in
cable assemblies may be suitably identified at pull
junction and outlet boxes.

Conductor insulation shall be:

(1) 120/240 volt 3-wire circuits - "A"
phase black, "B" phase red; 120/208 volt 4-wire
3-pha$e wye circuits - "A" phase black, "B" phase
red, "C" phase blue; 120/240 volt 3-phase delta
circuits - "A" phase black, "B" (high leg) phase
purple, "C" phase red; 277/480 volt 4-wire 3-phase
wye circuits - "A" phase brown, "B" phase orange,
"C" phase yellow. Ungrounded conductors for other
voltages shall be identified by different color coding,
marking tape, tagging, or other approved means.

See Section 200.7 for limitations on
re-identification of white or grey conductors.

(2) Conductors for switch legs may be of
a different color than the ungrounded circuit
conductor when suitably identified at pull, junction
and outlet boxes with marking tape, tagging or
other equally effective means. The color green,
white or grey shall not be used for identification.

Exception: Extensions of existing non-color
coded wiring systems need not be color coded.

ARTICLE 220 - BRANCH-CIRCUIT, FEEDER
AND SERVICE CALCULATIONS

220.87. Revise the exception to Item (1) as follows:

220.87. Determining Existing Loads.

( 1 ) The maximum demand data is available
for a 1 -year period.

Exception: If maximum demand data for a
one-year period is not available, the calculated
load shall be permitted to be based on the
maximum demand (measure of average power
demand over a fifteen-minute period)
continuously recorded over a minimum thirty day
period using a recording ammeter or power meter
connected to the highest loaded phase of the
feeder or service, based on the initial loading at
the start of the recording. The recording shall
reflect the maximum demand of the feeder or
service by being taken when the building or space
is occupied and shall include by measurement or
calculation the larger of the heating or cooling
equipment load, and other loads that may be
periodic in nature due to seasonal or similar
conditions. The method of recording and the
demand conditions shall be approved by the
Department prior to implementation.

ARTICLE 230 - SERVICES

230.43. Revise this section as follows:

230.43. Wiring Methods for 600 Volts, Nominal, or
Less.

(A) General. Service-entrance conductors shall
be installed in accordance with the applicable
requirements of this Code covering the type of wiring
method used and shall be limited to the following
methods:

(1) Reserved;

1/01/2008

230.43-230.71

2007 SAN FRANCISCO ELECTRICAL CODE

i^ (2) Reserved;

(3) Rigid metal conduit;

(4) Intermediate metal conduit;
^ (5) Reserved;

^ (6) Reserved;

i^ (7) Reserved;

^ (8) Reserved;

(9) Busways;

(10) Auxiliary gutters;

(11) Rigid non-metallic conduit;
W (12) Reserved;

^ (13) Reserved;

( 1 4) Mineral-insulated, metal sheathed cable;

^ (15) Reserved;

■► (16) Reserved.

(B) Raceway Size. Minimum raceway size
shall comply with the following:

(1) Except as provided in Section
230.43(B)(2) and (3) the minimum size raceway
installed for service entrance conductor shall be
1 1/4 inch (31.8 mm).

(2) Raceways for service entrance
conductors for sign or billboard lighting shall not be
smaller than 3/4 inch (19.1 mm) conduit.

(3) Installations consisting of not more
than two 2-wire branch circuits may be supplied by
No. 8 conductors in 3/4 inch (19.1 mm) conduit.

Exception: New service entrance conductors
may be repulled in previously approved service
raceways, provided the installation complies
vi'ith the requirements of SFEC Section 89.116
and Chapters 1, 2 and 3.

(FPN): Refer to electric utility server
requirements for raceway sizes.

230.56. Revise this section as follows:

230.56. Service Conductor with the Higher Voltage to
Ground. On a four-wire delta-connected service where
the midpoint of one phase winding is grounded, the
service conductor having the higher phase voltage to
ground shall be durably and permanently marked by an
outer finish that is purple in color, or by other effective ^
means, at each termination or junction point.

230. 71(A). Revise this section and add an exception as
follows:

230.71 Maximum Number of Disconnects.

(A) General. The service disconnecting means for
each service permitted by 230.2, or for each set of
service-entrance conductors permitted by 230.40,
Exception Nos. 1, 3, 4, or 5, shall consist of a single ^
circuit breaker or switch and set of fuses. For the
purpose of this section, disconnecting means used
solely for power monitoring equipment, transient
voltage surge suppressors, or the control circuit of the
ground-fault protection system or power-operable
service disconnecting means, installed as part of the
listed equipment, shall not be considered a service
disconnecting means.

Exception: In buildings with only residential
occupancies not more than six switches or sets
of circuit-breakers, or a combination of not
more than six switches and sets of circuit
breakers, mounted in a single enclosure, in a
group of separate enclosures, or in or on a
switchboard shall be allowed. There shall be
not more than six sets of disconnects per
service grouped in any one location. A single
circuit breaker or set of fuses shall be provided
for each dwelling unit.

1/01/2008

2007 SAN FRANCISCO ELECTRICAL CODE

250.50-250.64

ARTICLE 250 — GROUNDING

250.50. Revise the first paragraph of this section as
follows:

250.50 Grounding Electrode System. All grounding
electrodes as described in 250.52(A)(1) through (A)(6)
that are present at each building or structure served
shall be bonded together to form the grounding
electrode system. A concrete encased electrode as
defined by Section 250.52(A)(3) shall be installed at
each new building or structure, and for existing
buildings or structures when a new or replacement
foundation or footing with a perimeter length of 6.0
m (20 ft) or more is installed. Where none of these
electrodes exist, one or more of the grounding
electrodes specified in 250.52(A)(4) through (A)(7)
shall be installed and used.

be in rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit,
rigid nonmetallic conduit, electrical metallic tubing, or
cable armor. Grounding electrode conductors smaller
than 6 AWG shall be in rigid metal conduit,
intermediate metal conduit, rigid nonmetallic conduit,
electrical metallic tubing, or cable armor. Exposed
grounding electrode conductors or cable armor
shall not be installed on the outside of a building or
structure. 6 AWG or smaller grounding electrode
conductors shall not be installed exposed below 5'.

Exception: Concrete-encased electrodes of
existing buildings or structures shall not be
required to be part of the grounding electrode
system where the steel reinforcing bars or rods are
not accessible for use without disturbing the
concrete.

250. 64(A). Revise this section as follows:

250.64(A). Aluminum or Copper-Clad Aluminum
Conductors. Bare aluminum or copper-clad aluminum
grounding conductors shall not be used where in direct
contact with masonry or the earth or where subject to
W corrosive conditions. Aluminum or copper-clad
1^ aluminum grounding conductors shall not be installed
on the outside of a building or structure.

250. 64(B). Revise this section as follows:

250.64(B) Securing and Protection Against Physical
Damage. Where exposed, a grounding electrode
conductor or its enclosure shall be securely fastened to
the surface on which it is carried. A 4 AWG or larger
copper or aluminum grounding electrode conductor
shall be protected where exposed to physical damage.
A 6 AWG grounding electrode conductor that is free
from exposure to physical damage shall be permitted to
be run along the surface of the building construction
without metal covering or protection where it is
secureiy fastened to the construction; otherwise, it shall

1/01/2008

300.3-334.10

2007 SAN FRANCISCO ELECTRICAL CODE

Chapter 3. Wiring Methods and Materials

ARTICLE 300 — WIRING METHODS

300.3(C)(1). Revise this section as follows:

300.3(C) Conductors of Different Systems.

( 1 ) 600 Volts, Nominal or Less. Conductors
■► of circuits from separately derived systems, from
separate services, or from separate utility meters
shall not be permitted to occupy the same
equipment wiring enclosure, cable or raceway with
conductors from other systems, services, or meters.
All conductors shall have an insulation rating equal to
at least the maximum circuit voltage applied to any
conductor within the enclosure, cable, or raceway.

Exception No 1: For solar photovoltaic systems in
accordance with Section 690.4(B).

Exception No 2: Conductors installed in
accordance with Section 700.9.

Exception No. 3: Class 1, 2 or 3 conductors
installed in accordance with Article 725.

Exception No 4: conductors in auxiliary gutters
connected to the separately derived systems,
service equipment, or meter bank.

(FPN): See Section 725.55(A) for Class 2 and
Class 3 circuit conductors.

300.4(G). Add a new section as follows:

300.4(G). Subject to Physical Damage. Premises
wiring systems installed less than 2.44 m (8 feet)
above a walking surface or finished floor are
considered subject to physical damage.

ARTICLE 320 - ARMORED CABLE: TYPE AC

320. 108. Revise this section as follows:

320.108. Equipment Grounding. Type AC cable shall
provide an adequate path for equipment grounding as

required by Section 250.4(A)(5) and 250.4(B)(4). An
equipment grounding conductor, sized as required
by Table 250.122, shall be provided within the cable
assembly.

i^iRTICLE 330 -METAL-CLAD CABLE:
TYPEMC

330. 12. Add item (5) as follows:

330.12. Uses Not Permitted.

(5) Wet locations unless listed and identified
for direct burial applications.

330.40. Revise this section as follows:

330.40. Boxes and Fitting. Fittings used for connecting
Type iVlC cable to boxes, cabinets, or other equipment
shall be listed and identified for such use. An
approved insulating bushing shall be installed
between the conductors and the sheath of MC Cable
where the manufacturer recommends their use.

330.108. Revise this section as follows:

330.108. Equipment Grounding. Where Type MC
cable is used for equipment grounding, it shall comply
with 250.118(10) and 250.122. An equipment
grounding conductor, sized as required by Table
250.122, shall be provided within the cable
assembly.

ARTICLE 334 - NONMETALLIC-SHEATHED
CABLE: TYPES NM, NMC, AND NMS

334.10. Revise Item (2) as follows:

334.10. Uses permitted.

(2) Multi-family dwellings permitted to be of
Types in, IV, and V construction not exceeding 4
stories as defined by the San Francisco Building
Code except as prohibited in 334.12.

1/01/2008

2007 SAN FI^NCISCO ELECTRICAL CODE

334.12-358.10

334.12. Add Item (11) as follows:

334.12. Uses Not Permitted.

(11) In any nonresidential structure or
occupancy.

ARTICLE 340 - UNDERGROUND FEEDER
AND BRANCH-CIRCUIT CABLE: TYPE UF

340.10. Revise Item (1) as follows:

340.10. Uses Permitted.

(1) For use underground in systems not
exceeding 50 volts, including direct burial in the earth.
For underground requirements see 300.5.

ARTICLE 348 - FLEXIBLE METAL CONDUIT:
TYPE FMC

348.10, Revise this section as follows:

348.10. Uses Permitted. FMC shall be permitted to be

^ used in concealed locations and where necessary for

flexibility in lengths not to exceed 1.829 m (6 feet).

348. 12. Revise Item (1) as follows:

348.12. Uses Not Permitted.

■^ (1) In wet locations.

ARTICLE 350 - LIQUIDTIGHT FLEXIBLE
METAL CONDUIT: TYPE LFMC

350. 10. Revise the first sentence as follows:

350.10. Uses Permitted. LFMC shall be permitted to
be used in exposed locations in lengths not to exceed
1.829 m (6 feet) or concealed locations as follows:

ARTICLE 352 - RIGID NONMETALLIC
CONDUIT: TYPE RNC

352.10. Revise Item (A) as follows:

352.10. Uses Permitted.

(A) Concealed. RNC shall be permitted
embedded in concrete walls, floors, and ceilings. The
conduit may emerge not more than 3" from the
concrete within wiring enclosures, otherwise metal
raceways shall be provided where emerging from
the concrete.

ARTICLE 356 - LIQUIDTIGHT FLEXIBLE
NONMETALLIC CONDUIT: TYPE LFNC

356.10. Revise the first sentence of this section as
follows:

356.10. Uses Permitted. LFNC shall be permitted to
be used in exposed or concealed locations for systems
not exceeding 50 volts for the following purposes:

356. 12. Revise item 4 of this section as follows:

356.12. Uses Not Permitted.

(4) Where the operating voltage of the
contained conductors is in excess of 50 volts, nominal ^
except as permitted in 600.32(A).

ARTICLE 358 - ELECTRICAL METALLIC
TUBING: TYPE EMT

358.10(B). Add a second paragraph as follows:

358.10(B). Corrosion Protection.

Where EMT emerges from concrete in a damp
or wet location, it shall be protected against
corrosion at the point of emergence by wrapping of
PVC tape, or by other approved means.

1/01/2008

358.12-388.12

358. 12. Add Item (7) as follows:
358.12. Uses Not Permitted

(7) In concrete slabs on grade.

ARTICLE 362- ELECTRICAL NONMETALLIC
TUBING: TYPE ENT

362.10. Revise Item 6 and delete Items 1, 2, 5, 7, and
8 as follows:

362.10. Uses Permitted.

W (1) Reserved.

^ (2) Reserved.

1^ (4) Reserved.

■^ (5) Reserved.

(6) Encased in poured concrete, or
embedded in a concrete slab on grade where ENT is
placed on sand or approved screenings, provided
fittings identified for this purpose are used for
connections. Metal raceways shall be provided
where emerging from the concrete.

2007 SAN FRANCISCO ELECTRICAL CODE

ABTICLE 388- SURFACE NONMETALLIC
RACEWAYS

388. 12. Revise Item (3) as follows:

388.12. Uses Not Permitted.

(3) Where the voltage is 50 volts or more ^
between conductors. ■^

^
*

(7) Reserved.

(8) Reserved.

ARTICLE 378- NONMETALLIC WIREWAYS

378.12(6). Add Item (6) as follows:

378.12(6). Uses Not Permitted.

(6) Where the voltage of the contained
conductors is in excess of 50 volts.

1/01/2008

2007 SAN FRANCISCO ELECTRICAL CODE 410.16-411.4

Chapter 4. Equipment for General Use

ARTICLE 410 - LUME^AIRES (LIGHTING (2) Installed using wiring supplied by a

FIXTURES), LAMPHOLDERS, AND LAMPS listed Class 2 power source and installed in accordance

with 725.52.

410.16(C). Revise this section as follows:

(C) Suspended Ceilings. Framing members of
suspended ceiling systems used to support luminaires
(fixtures) shall be securely fastened to each other and
shall be securely attached to the building structure at
appropriate intervals. Luminaires (fixtures) shall be
securely fastened to the ceiling framing member by
mechanical means, such as bolts, screws, or rivets.
Listed clips identified for use with the type of ceiling
framing member(s) and luminaires [fixture(s)] shall
also be permitted. All luminaires (fixtures) or
luminaire outlets supported by suspended ceiling
systems shall have supplemental support wires
(minimum #12 gauge) connected from the fixture
housing or fixture support bracket to the structure
above. Recessed lighting fixtures measuring 610
mm (2 feet) nominal or larger in any dimension
shall have two (minimum #12 gauge) support wires.
See IBC Section 803.9.1.1 and ASTM standards
C635 and C636.

Exception: Supplemental support wires shall
not be required when listed clips identified to
be used without supplemental ceiling wires in
compliance with IBC Section 803.9.1.1 are
installed.

ARTICLE 411 - LIGHTING SYSTEMS
OPERATING AT 30 VOLTS OR LESS

411.4. Revise Item (A) as follows:

4 1 1 .4. Locations Not Permitted.

(A) Where concealed or extended through a
building wall, floor, ceiling, or suspended ceiling,

unless permitted in (1) or (2):

(1) Installed using any of the wiring
methods specified in Chapter 3 .

1/01/2008 15

2007 SAN FRANCISCO ELECTRICAL CODE

Chapter 5. Special Occmpancies

No San Francisco Electrical Code Amendments.

16 1/01/2008

2007 SAN FRANCISCO ELECTRICAL CODE 645.5

Chapter 6. Special Equipment

ARTICLE 645 -INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT

645.5(D). Revise Item (2) as follows:

645.5(D). Under Raised Floors

(2) The branch-circuit supply conductors to
receptacles or field-wired equipment are in rigid metal
■^ conduit, intermediate metal conduit, electrical metallic
^ tubing, metal wireway, nonmetallic wireway, surface
metal raceway with metal cover, nonmetallic surface
raceway, flexible metal conduit, liquidtight flexible
metal conduit, or liquidtight flexible nonmetallic
conduit. Type MI cable. Type MC cable, or Type AC
cable. These supply conductors shall be installed in
accordance with the requirements of Section 300.1 1.

1/01/2008 17

700.12-760.72

2007 SAN FRANCISCO ELECTRICAL CODE

Chapter 7. Special Conditions

ARTICLE 700 - EMERGENCY SYSTEMS

700. 12(F). Revise the last paragraph of this section as
follows:

700.12(F). Unit Equipment.

Unit equipment shall be permanently fixed in
place (i.e., not portable) and shall have all wiring to
each unit installed in accordance with the requirements
of any of the wiring methods in Chapter 3. Flexible
^ cord-and-plug connection shall not be permitted. The
branch circuit feeding the unit equipment shall be the
same branch circuit as that serving the normal lighting
in the area and connected ahead of any local switches.
The branch circuit that feeds unit equipment shall be
clearly identified at the distribution panel. Emergency
luminaires (illumination fixtures) that obtain power
from a unit equipment and are not part of the unit
equipment shall be wired to the unit equipment as
required by Section 700.9 and by one of the wiring
methods of Chapter 3 .

700. 16. Revise the first paragraph of this section as
follows:

700.16. Emergency Illumination. Emergency
illumination shall include all required means of egress
lighting, illuminated exit signs, and all other lights
specified as necessary to provide required illumination.
Emergency illumination shall be provided at the
location of transfer switches, switchboards and
panelboards that supply emergency and legally
required stand-by loads.

ARTICLE 760 - FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS

760.25. Revise the first paragraph of this section as
follows:

760.25. NPLFA Circuit Wiring Methods.

Installations of non-power-limited fire alarm circuits
shall be in accordance with 1 10.3(B), 300.1 1, 300.15,
300.17, and other appropriate articles of Chapter 3.
Conductors shall be installed in metallic raceways
or concrete-encased nonmetallic raceways.

Exception No. 1 : As provided in Sections 760.26
tlirough 760.30. ^

760.52(A). Revise this section as follows:

760.52(A). NPLFA Wiring Methods and Materials.
Installation shall be in accordance with 760.25, and
conductors shall be solid or stranded copper.

Exception No. 1: The derating factors given in
310.15(B)(2)(a) shall not apply.

Exception No. 2: Conductors and multiconductor
cables described in and installed in accordance
vdth 760.27 shall be permitted. ^

Exception No. 3: Power-limited circuits shall be
permitted to be reclassified and installed as
nonpower-limited circuits if the power-limited fire
alarm circuit markings required by 760.42 are
eliminated and the entire circuit is installed using
the wiring methods and materials in accordance
with Part II, Non-Power-Limited Fire Alarm
Circuits.

FPN: Power-limited circuits reclassified and
installed as nonpower-limited circuits are no
longer power-limited circuits, regardless of the
continued connection to a power-limited source.

760.52(B). Revise this section as follows:

760.52(B). PLFA Wiring Methods and Materials.
Power-limited fire alarm conductors and cables
described in 760.82 shall be installed in metallic
raceway in accordance with 760.25. Devices shall be 4*
installed in accordance with 1 10.3(B), 300. 11 (A), and
300.15.

760. 72. Add the following new section:

760.72. System Requirements.

(A) Supervising Station Fire Alarm Systems.
Supervising station fire alarm system wiring
installed within or on buildings shall be installed in
metallic raceways.

1/01/2008

2007 SAN FRANCISCO ELECTRICAL CODE 760.72

Exception: Communication conductors
installed entirely within a dedicated telephone
equipment room, switchboard area or fire
control room.

(B) Source of Power. The circuit supplying the
fire warning system may be connected to either the
line or load side of the service disconnect. Circuits
shall be protected by means of an externally
operated fused safety switch or a circuit breaker
either in a separate enclosure or within a
switchboard entirely separate from other circuit
breakers. The switch and/or circuit breaker shall
be clearly labeled and locked in the on position.

Exception: When connected to a circuit
supplied by an emergency generator, or when
monitored by a required 24-hour agency, a fire
warning system equipped with a standby
battery may be provided.

1/01/2008

2007 SAN FRANCISCO ELECTRICAL CODE

Chapter 8. Communications Systems

No San Francisco Electrical Code Amendments

20 1/01/2008

2007 SAN FRANCISCO ELECTRICAL CODE

Chapter 9. Tables and Examples

No San Francisco Electrical Code Amendments.

]/0]/2008 21

2007 SAN FRANCISCO ELECTRICAL CODE

[This page intentionally left blank]

22 ' 1/01/2008

2007 SAN FRANCISCO ELECTRICAL CODE

INDEX

ELECTRICAL CODE INDEX

-A-

ADMINISTRATrVE BULLETINS, 89.124

ALARMS (See FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS)

ALUMINUM (See GROUNDING)

ARMORED CABLE (See CABLE)

-B-

BOARD OF EXAMINERS

Administration, 89.129

BRANCH-CIRCUIT, FEEDER, AND SERVICE
CALCULATIONS, Article 220

Determining existing loads, 220.87(1)

BRANCH CIRCUITS, Article 210
Calculation

Determining existing loads, 220.87(1)
Information technology; connecting
cables, 645.5
Insulation; color code required, 210.5(C)
Ungrounded conductors, 2 1 . 5 (C)

CABLE

Armored cable: Type AC, Article 320

Grounding, 320.108
Armored cable: Type MC, Article 330

Boxes, 330.40

Fittings, 330.40

Grounding, 330.108

Uses not permitted, 330.12
Information technology equipment, 645.5
Nonmetallic-sheathed cable: Types NM, NMC,
and NMS, Article 334

Nonresidential structure or
occupancy, 334.12

Uses not permitted, 334.12

Uses permitted, 334.10
Optical fiber cables and raceways. Article 770

CABLE (Cont'd)

Underground feeder and branch-circuit
cable: Type UF, Article 340
Uses permitted, 340.10(1)

CIRCUITS (See BRANCH CIRCUITS)

CODE RULINGS, 89.124

COLOR CODES, 210.5

COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, Chapter 8

CONDUCTORS OF DIFFERENT SYSTEMS (See
WIRING METHODS)

CONDUITS

Flexible metal conduit: Type FMC, Article 348

In wet locations, 348.12(1)

Uses not permitted, 348.12

Uses permitted, 348.10(B)
Information technology equipment, 645.5
Liquid-tight flexible metal conduit: Type
LFMC, Article 350

Uses permitted, 350.10
Liquid-tight flexible nonmetallic conduit. Type
LFNC, Article 356

Uses not permitted, 356.12

Uses permitted, 356.10
Rigid nonmetallic conduit. Type RNC, Article 352

Uses permitted, 352.10

COPPER (See GROUNDING)
-D-

DEFINITIONS, Article 100

Different system. Article 100

Opening, Article 100

Scope, Article 100

Subject to physical damage. Article 100

DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING INSPECTION

Administration, 89.117, 89.119, 89.120
Duties, 89.117, 89.119, 89.120

1/01/2008

I-l

INDEX

2007 SAN FRANCISCO ELECTRICAL CODE

DISCONIVECTION OF SERVICE (See GENERAL
CODE PROVISIONS and SERVICE
DISCONNECTION)

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION
REQUIREMENTS, Article 1 10

Clear spaces, 110.26(B)

Headroom, 110.26(E)

High-leg marking, 110.15

Working space, 1 10.26(A)

ELECTRICAL METALLIC TUBING

Type EMT, Art. 358
Corrosion protection, 358.10
Uses not permitted, 358.12

ELECTRICAL NONMETALLIC TUBING

Generally, Article 362
Uses permitted, 362.10

ELECTRICAL SURVEY (See GENERAL CODE
PROVISIONS)

ELECTRODE CONDUCTOR OR SYSTEM (See
GROUNDING)

EMERGENCY SYSTEMS, Article 700
Emergency illumination, 700.16
Equipment permanently fixed, 700.12(F)
Unit equipment, 700.12(F)

EMERGENCY WORK PERMITS, 89.17

-F-

FEEDERS, Article 220
Calculation

Determining existing loads, 220.87(1)
Identification of conductor with higher voltage
to ground, 230.56
Wiring and protection, 250.64

FEES

Administration, 89.117, 89.121, 89.122,

89.123,89.127
Appeal; investigative fee, 89.123

FEES (cont'd)

Inspections, 89.123, 89.127
Investigations, 89.123
Permits, 89.123
Survey; electrical, 89.128

FINES (See VIOLATIONS)

FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS, Article 760
^>^PLFA circuit wiring methods, 760.25
NPLFA wiring methods and
materials, 760.52(A)
PLFA wiring methods and materials, 760.52(B)
System requirements, 760.72

FITTINGS (See CABLE)

FLEXIBLE METAL CONDUITS (See CONDUITS)

-G-

GENICRAL CODE PROVISIONS, Article 89
Administrative bulletins, 89.124
Alternate materials, design and methods of

construction, 89.117
Appeals; investigative fees, 89.123
Board of Examiners, 89.129
Building Official, powers and duties, 89.124
Change in occupancy, 89. 1 1 8
Code revisions, 89.124
Code Rulings, 89.124
Department of Building Inspection, 89.1 17,

89.119,89.120
Disconnection; imminent hazard, 89.124
Electrical energy

Temporary use, 89,124
Unlawful use or concealment, 89.127
Electrical survey, 89.128
Emergency work, 89.120
Exemption from permits, 89.121
Hazards; imminent, 89. 1 24
Fees, 89.117, 89.121, 89.122, 89.123, 89.127
Inspection, 89.123, 89.127
Liability, 89.120
Maintenance, 89.1 16
Modifications, 89.119
Non-liability of city, 89. 1 20
Notices, 89.124,89.127

1-2

1/01/2008

2007 SAN FRANCISCO ELECTRICAL CODE

INDEX

GENERAL CODE PROVISIONS (cont'd)
Permits

Application, 89.120

Emergency work, 89.120

Exemptions, 89.121

Homeowners, 89.120

Illegal use, 89.120

Issuance, 89.122

Required, 89.120
Records, 89.117, 89.119
Right of entry, 89.124
Scope, Art. 100
Stop orders, 89.124
Suppression, 89.115
Survey; electrical, 89.128
Title, 89.101.1

Unsafe buildings or structures, 89.126
Violation, 89.122, 89.124, 89.125, 89.126
Work exempt from permits, 89.121

GROUNDING, Article 250

Aluminum or copper-clad aluminum

conductors, 250.64(A)
Exposed grounding electrode conductors or cable

armor prohibited on outside of building or

structure, 250.64(B)
Grounding electrode conductor, 250.64(B)
Grounding electrode system, 250.50

HOMEOWNERS' PERMITS (See GENERAL
CODE PROVISIONS)

-I

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT,

Article 645

Supply conductors, 645.5(D)
Under raised floors, 645.5(D)(2)

INSPECTIONS

Fees, 89.123, 89.127
Notices, 89.127

INVESTIGATTVE FEE, 89.123

LAMPHOLDERS (See LUMINAIRES
(LIGHTING FIXTURES), LAMPHOLDERS,

AND LAMPS)

LAMPS (See LUMINAIRES (LIGHTING
FIXTURES), LAMPHOLDERS, AND LAMPS)

LIABILITY, 89.120

LIGHTING FIXTURES (See LUMINAIRES
(LIGHTING FIXTURES), LAMPHOLDERS,
AND LAMPS

LIGHTING SYSTEMS OPERATING AT 30
VOLTS OR LESS, Article 41 1

Emergency illumination, 700.16

Locations not permitted, 41 1.4

LIQUIDTIGHT CONDUITS (See CONDUITS)

LUMINAIRES (LIGHTING FIXTURES),
LAMPHOLDERS, AND LAMPS, Article 410
Emergency illumination, 700.16
Supplemental support wires, 410.16(C)
Suspended ceilings, 410.16(C)

METAL CONDUITS (See CONDUITS)

METAL WIREWAYS

Armored cable. Articles 320, 330
Electrical metallic tubing, Article 358
Flexible metal conduit, Article 348
Liquidtight flexible metal conduit. Article 350

-N

NONMETALLIC CABLE (See CABLE)

NONMETALLIC WIREWAYS, Article 378
Uses not permitted, 378.12
Voltage 50 volts or more between
conductors, 378.12(6)

1/01/2008

1-3

INDEX

2007 SAN FRANCISCO ELECTRICAL CODE

NOTICE (See GENERAL CODE PROVISIONS)

-P-

PENALTIES (See VIOLATIONS)

PERMITS (See ADMINISTRATION)

-R-

RACEWAYS

Fire alarm systems; raceways, 760.25

RECORDS (See GENERAL CODE PROVISIONS)

RIGHT OF ENTRY (See GENERAL CODE
PROVISIONS)

SERVICE CONDUCTOR

With the higher voltage to ground, 230.56

SERVICE DISCONNECTION

Maximum number, 230.71(A)
Types permitted, 230.71(A)

STOP WORK ORDERS (See GENERAL CODE
PROVISIONS)

SUPPLY CONDUCTORS (See INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT)

SURFACE NONMETALLIC RACEWAYS,

Article 388

Uses not permitted, 388.12
Voltage 50 volts or more between
conductors, 388.12(3)

SURVEY; ELECTRICAL (See GENERAL CODE
PROVISIONS)

-T-

TABLES AND EXAMPLES, Chapter 9

-U-

UNTERGROUND FEEDERS AND BRANCH-
CIRCUITS (See FEEDERS or BRANCH-
CIRCUITS)

UNSAFE BUILDINGS (See GENERAL CODE
PROVISIONS)

-V-

VIOLATIONS, 89.122, 89.123, 89.124, 89.125,
89.126

-W-

WIREWAYS, Article 378
Nonmetallic, Article 378

WIRinVG METHODS, Articles 230 and 300
Conductors of different systems, 300.3(c)(1)
For 600 Volts, nominal, or less, 230.43,
300.3(c), (1)
Raceway size, 230.43
Subject to physical damage, 300.4(G)

1-4

1/01/2008